The Eastern South Regional Police Command has arrested four suspects following a violent shooting incident that erupted during the burial and funeral rites of six family members at Asamankese in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 26, 2025, left six civilians and three police officers injured after chaos broke out near the Chief’s Palace during the funeral.
According to a police statement signed by DSP David Fianko-Okyere, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Eastern South Regional Command, officers received intelligence that a group of individuals had transported guns and cartridges into a room close to the palace.
Police swiftly moved to the location, leading to the arrest of Isaac Ntim, Nana Yaw Zenyo, Bismark K.K. Adam (29), and Buaben Richard (25). Law enforcement also confiscated a single-barrel gun, 84 live AAA cartridges, seven cutlasses, and two knives.
However, during the arrests, a group of irate youth attacked the officers with stones and other objects, injuring three policemen in the process. The attackers also vandalized two police vehicles, shattering their windshields and side windows.
The disturbance intensified when some youth blocked the Asamankese–Akroso road and allegedly fired guns indiscriminately. Reports suggest that the violence stemmed from a dispute over burial grounds, as some residents opposed the family’s intention to bury their relatives in the royal cemetery.
Six civilians, identified as David Odame (28), Musah Gyakweli (29), Patrick Ofosu, Obeng Emmanuel (18), Asamoah Sey (18), and another person yet to be identified, sustained gunshot injuries and are receiving treatment at the Asamankese Government Hospital.
Police say calm has since been restored in the Asamankese township. Security has been reinforced through intensified patrols and surveillance to maintain peace and prevent further unrest.
“The public is assured of a robust security strategy in place to protect lives and property and allow residents to go about their normal duties,” the police statement emphasized.
The four suspects are currently in custody and assisting police with ongoing investigations.
